Hypodermic syringe



P. B. HUNT, SR

HYPODERMIC SYRINGE Feb. 5, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 7, 1960 a M m T M 7% 2 0 E U M Maw W mm mll i vm\ mfim a W m m m 4 9A P w H 4 a w H v n 9 Z I A a H Feb; 5, 1963 P. B. HUNT, SR

HYPODERMIC SYRINGE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 7, 1960 INVENTOR.

//z//v7' 5x P404 15 BY 5 United States Patent 3,076,456 HYPODERMIC SYRINGE Paul B. Hunt, Sr., Pasadena, Calif.; Paul B. Hunt, Jr.,

administrator of said Paul B. Hunt, Sr., deceased, assignor to Elsie B. Hunt Filed Mar. 7, 1960, Ser. No. 13,283 2 Claims. (Cl. 128-218) This invention relates to hypodermic syringes, and included in the objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a hypodermic syringe wherein two or more substances may be separately stored therein until the time of use, then mixed immediately prior to injection; thus providing a syringe which permits substances, which should remain separated until the time of use, to be preloaded in the syringe under aseptic conditions at a laboratory.

Second, to provide a syringe of this type which may be preloaded with a liquid and a soluble granular or powdered substance, stored until just prior to the time of use, then manipulated to bring the liquid and granular substance together, injection being delayed until the granular substance has been dissolved.

Third, to provide a syringe which, although capable of maintaining two or more substances in isolated condition until the time of use, is simple and economical of manufacture and readily loaded, to permit its use as an expandable item to be used once and discarded.

Fourth, to provide a syringe which may be made of transparent plastic material to facilitate inspection during storage and at the time of use to determine that the substances are, in fact, isolated before use and are properly mixed prior to injection.

With the above and other objects in view as may appearhereinafter, reference is directed to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view showing one form of the hypodermic syringe as it appears before use;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged, partial sectional, partial elevational view thereof, showing the parts as they appear during manipulation of the springe to effect mixture of its contents prior to use;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view showing a modified form of the hypodermic syringe, the parts being shown in their initial condition prior to their use;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged, partial sectional, partial elevational view thereof showing the'manner in which the contents are mixed prior too use of the syringe;

FIGURE 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further modified form of the syringe, illustrating the manner in which three or more compartments may be provided, the parts being shown in their initial condition where the compartments are isolated from each other;

FIGURE 6 is a partial sectional, partial elevational view thereof with portions indicated by dotted lines, showing the manner in which the contents of all of the compartments are mixed prior to use of the syringe;

FIGURE 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further modified form of the hypodermic syringe, the parts being shown by solid lines in their initial condition with the compartments of the syringe isolated, and indicating by dotted lines the manner in which the syringe is manipulated to effect a communication between the compartments and mixture of the contents prior to use;

FIGURE 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a further modified form of the hypodermic syringe;

FIGURE 9 is a transverse sectional view through 9-9 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10'is a longitudinal sectional view of a still further modified form of the hypodermic syringe;

3,076,456 Patented Feb. 5., 1963 FIGURE 111 is a fragmentary, transverse sectional view thereof taken through 1111 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a similar transverse sectional view, but showing the manner in which the parts of the syringe are manipulated to effect a communication between its compartments and consequent mixture of its cotnents prior to use;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view showing a still further modified form'of the hypodermic syringe with the parts in their initial condition and the compartments of the syringe isolated from each other;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary, sectional view showing the manner in which communication is provided between the compartments;

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view of a still further modified form of the hypodermic syringe, the parts being shown in their initial condition;

FIGURE 16 is a transverse sectional view taken through 16-16 of FIGURE 15.

Reference is first directed to FIGURES 1 and 2. In the construction here shown, the syringe includes a cylinder 1, preferably molded of plastic material and having a closed end 2. This end is provided with a nipple 3 having a small passage therein and arranged for connection in a conventional manner to a hypodermic needle 4. Initially, however, the nipple 3 is closed by a cap 5.

The opposite end of the cylinder 1 is closed by a cover 6 which is also preferably molded of plastic material. The cover may be cemented in place. Fitted within the cylinder 1 is a plunger 7 which includes a stem 8 projecting outwardly through the cover 6 and terminating in a handle 9. The cover 6 is provided with a sealing grommet 10. The axially inner side of the grommet 10 is provided with a beveled lip 11 surrounding the stem 8, so that under conditions of positive pressure within the cylinder, a sealing connection with the stem is maintained. However, under conditions of negative pressure in the cylinder 1, atmospheric air may enter through the grommet 10.

The lower end of the stem 8 is enlarged to form a plunger head 12 having a valve bore recess 13, extending upwardly from its underside, and communicating by at least one port 14 with the upper side of the plunger head 12. The plunger head receives .a piston cup 15, preferably molded of rubber or other suitable elastomer and having sealing ribs 16 which engage the walls of the cylinder 1.

The piston cup 15 projects below the plunger head 12, and its lower side is provided with ports 17. Centered in the lower side of the piston cup 15 is an up wardly extending valve boss 18, which is normally in sealing engagement with the recess 13. Also centered in the bottom of the piston cup 15 is a downwardly extending stop boss 19.

Operation of the hypodermic syringe as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 is as follows:

that a tight seal is assured between the valve boss 18 and the recess 13, whereupon the upper compartment B is partially filled with the other component of the mixture intended for injection. The other or second component is in liquid form. It may be introduced prior to sealing the cover 16. After the hypodermic syringe has been loaded, it may be then stored until needed.

At the time of use of the syringe, the stem 8 is drawn outwardly as indicated in FIGURE 2. The pressure of the liquid in compartment B forces the valve boss 18 to open so that the liquid may fiow downwardly through the plunger head 12 and the piston cup 15 into the lower compartment A. If it is necessary to do so, the syringe may be shaken to assure thorough mixing of the two components in preparation for injection.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 3 and 4. In this construction, a tubular plunger is substituted for the plunger 7 and is utilized as the B compartment of the syringe. The tubular plunger may therefore be of such dimension as to have .a free sliding fit in the cylinder 1. The plunger 2%) includes a closed lower end 21 having a central valve port 22 therein, and is externally dimensioned at its lower end to receive the piston cup 15, utilized in the construction shown in FIGURES l and 2. As in the first described structure, the valve boss 18 engages and seals the valve port 22. The outer end of the tubular plunger 20 is covered by a plunger cap 23 having a small vent hole 24 therein. This hole is initially covered by a removable seal 25.

Operation of the hypodermic syringe as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 is as follows:

The syringe may be loaded by first introducing the appropriate component into compartment A, then inserting the tubular plunger and filling compartment B within the tubular plunger 20 with the other component. This may be done through the vent hole 24 or before the plunger cap 23 is applied. After the syringe is loaded, the seal 25 is positioned.

At the time of use of the syringe, the seal 25 is removed and the tubular plunger 20 is withdrawn. Withdrawal of the tubular plunger tends to produce a negative pressure in compartment A which opens the valve boss 18, allowing the contents of the compartment B formed by the tubular plunger 20 to flow downwardly into compartment A, as indicated in FIGURE 4. After the tubular plunger 20 has been withdrawn, the contents of the syringe may be thoroughly mixed by shaking the syringe, whereupon the syringe is in condition for use,

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 5 and 6. In the previously described structures, only two substances may be stored isolated from each other, and then mixed at the time of use. It is desirable in some cases to store three or more substances in this manner and mix them immediately prior to use. This may be accomplished by arrangement shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. In this case, a plunger 26 is provided having a head 27 equipped with seal rings 28 which engage the walls of the cylinder 1. The head 27 is provided with a central valve port 29 extending therethrough. Fitted across the underside of the plunger head 27 is a valve cap 30. The valve cap is provided with a marginal rim 31 which encompasses the lower portion of the head 27, and which is provided with an internal bead fitting within an annular groove provided in the head 27. The central portion of the valve cap is provided with an upstanding valve boss 32 which engages the valve port 29. The valve cap is provided with perforations 33 surrounding the boss 32.

Fitted on the valve head 27 is a container cup 34 having cylindrical walls which fit over the rim 31 of the valve cap 30 and are adapted to be press fitted or cemented to the valve head 27. The container cup 34 is provided with a central valve port 35 and its lower end is externally shaped identically to the lower portion of the head 27 so as to receive a second valve cap 30. The container cup 34 thus forms with the head 27 an additional compartment C. In like manner, a second container cup may be attached to the first container cup to form an additional compartment D. Compartments C and D may be utilized in addition to compartments A and B, or compartment D may be substituted for compartment A, as in the arrangement shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. A retainer ring 34a may surround the rim 31 of the lowermost valve cap 30.

The construction shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 operates in substantially the same manner as the previously described structures. That is, each of the container cups 34 may be partially filled with the appropriate component and fitted to the adjacent cup or to the head 27, so that after the compartments are loaded the syringe may be stored with the various components in isolated condition, as shown in FIGURE 5. Immediately prior to the time of use, the plunger 26 is withdrawn which causes each of the valve caps 30 to open, as indicated by dotted lines in FIGURE 6, so that the contents from the upper compartment B and the compartments C and D may discharge into the compartment A for mixture in compartment A.

In the construction shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the plunger 26 is shown as having a stem 36, which, when the plunger 26 is in its lower position, terminates substantially flush with the sealing grommet 10. An extension 37 is adapted to be connected to the stern by a screw-threaded connection 33. With this arrangement, danger of accidental or premature movement of the plunger 26 may be minimized. In fact, a suitable removable seal strip may be applied across the top of the syringe, if desired.

Reference is now directed to FIGURE 7. In this construction, a special cylinder 39 is utilized. The cylinder is provided with a closed lower end 40, and about midway in its length it is enlarged, slightly, forming an internal beveled shoulder 41 and an enlarged upper portion 42. The upper end of the cylinder is closed by a cover 43, which in this case is shown as provided with a bore having a sealed ring groove in which is fitted a seal ring 44. The cylinder 39 receives a plunger 45, including a stem 46 and a piston 47. In this case, the piston is shown as having an 0 ring. The piston 47 is dimensioned so as to seal within the lower portion of the cylinder 39 and to clear the upper portion 42 thereof, as indicated by dotted lines in FIGURE 7. As in the previously described structure, the stem 46 may be arranged for connection to an extension 37.

The piston 47 is normally positioned just below the shoulder 41. This corresponds to a position of the stem 46 flush with the upper surface of the cover 43. The contents of the two compartments A and B are thus isolated by the piston. When it is desired to use the syringe, the extension 37 is attached and the piston 47 drawn upward into the enlarged portion 42, so that the contents of the compartment B formed by the enlarged portion may drain into the lower compartment A and be mixed with the contents of the lower compartment.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 8 and 9. This construction differs from that shown in FIGURE 7 in that in place of an enlarged upper portion 42, the cylinder is provided with several internal grooves 48 extending to a point just above the initial position of the piston 47.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 10, 11, and 12. In the construction here illustrated, a polygonal cylinder 49 is employed. For example, this cylinder may be hexagonal in cross section. The plunger 50 here utilized, includes a stem 51 anchored in a piston 52 formed of rubber or other elastomer, capable of being deformed. The piston is normally hexagonal in cross section, but on being turned relative to the cylinder 49 forms at the apices of the sides of the cylinder a series of small openings 53. The piston 52 normally isolates the compartments A and B. When it is desired to use the syringe, the piston 52 is rotated as indicated in FIGURE 12, to form the openings 53, so that the contents of the outward compartment '13 may drain into the lower compartment A. Thereafter the piston is returned to its normal position and utilized to eject the mixed contents from the compartment A.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 13 and 14. In this construction, the cylinder 1, as in the first described structure, may be utilized. A plunger 54 is provided which includes a stem 55 fitted with a tapered valve plug 56. Below and spaced from the valve plug 56 is a cross pin 57. The stem 55 is adapted to carry a piston 58 having a tapered valve port 59 which receives the plug 56. Initially, the plug 56 seals the valve port of the piston 58. Initially, the sealed piston 58 separates the two compartments A and B. When it is desired to utilize the syringe, the stem 55 is drawn upwardly. The resulting pressure exerted on the liquid contained in the compartment B forces the piston 58 downward until limited by the cross pin 57, as shown in FIGURE 14, so that the liquid in compartment B may flow downward into compartment A. On reversing the movement of the plunger 54, the plug 56 seals within the piston 58 so that the contents of compartment A may be ejected.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES and 16. In this construction, a plunger 60 is provided which includes a stem 61 terminating in a flange 62. A piston 63 overlies the flange 62 and is held thereby by a retainer ring 64. The flange 62 and piston 63 are provided with valve ports 65 and 66 which, on relative rotation of the flange 62 and piston 63, may be moved into or out of registry. Initially, the ports are out of registry, then at the time of use of the syringe the stem 61 is turned to move the ports 65 and 66 into registry so that the contents of the upper compartment B may be discharged into the lower compartment A. After this is accomplished, the stem 61 is turned until the ports are out of registry for the purpose of ejecting the contents of compartment A.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it is not intended to limit the same to the exact details of the constructions set forth, and it embraces such changes, modifications, and equivalents of the parts and their formation and arrangement us come within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A syringe, comprising: a cylinder structure having a discharge end adapted to receive a hypodermic needle; a

plunger structure including a piston axially movable in said cylinder structure and a stem extending from said piston through the end of said cylindrical structure opposite from said discharge end; a seal for said stem fitted in said opposite end, said piston initially occupying a position intermediate the ends of said cylinder structure, said structures initially defining at least two isolated compartments on opposite sides of said piston, one of said compartments surrounding said stem; and initially closed valve means carried by said plunger structure and separating said compartments, said valve means adapted to open on movement of said plunger structure away from the discharge end of said cylinder structure to permit intermixing of the contents of said compartments, said valve means adapted to close in response to movement of said plunger structure toward the discharge end of said cylinder structure to discharge the mixed contents of said compartments through said discharge end.

2. A syringe as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said plunger structure includes means defining at least one additional compartment and a valve element therefor operable in conjunction with said valve means to open for interconnection of all of said compartments on movement away from the discharge end of said cylinder structure, and to close at least during movement of said plunger structure between its initial position and the discharge end cylinder structure to discharge the mixed contents of all of said chambers through said discharge end.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,490,552 Smith Dec. 6, 1949 2,490,553 Smith Dec. 6, 1949 2,665,687 Brown Jan. 12, 1954 2,717,601 Brown Sept. 13, 1955 2,761,447 Hersee Sept. 4, 1956 2,869,543 Ratclift' et al Jan. 20, 1959 2,896,622 Huttermann July 28, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 933,444 France Dec. 17, 1947 370,788 Germany Mar. 7, 1923 

1. A SYRINGE, COMPRISING: A CYLINDER STRUCTURE HAVING A DISCHARGE END ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE; A PLUNGER STRUCTURE INCLUDING A PISTON AXIALLY MOVABLE IN SAID CYLINDER STRUCTURE AND A STEM EXTENDING FROM SAID PISTON THROUGH THE END OF SAID CYLINDRICAL STRUCTURE OPPOSITE FROM SAID DISCHARGE END; A SEAL FOR SAID STEM FITTED IN SAID OPPOSITE END, SAID PISTON INITIALLY OCCUPYING A POSITION INTERMEDIATE THE ENDS OF SAID CYLINDER STRUCTURE, SAID STRUCTURES INITIALLY DEFINING AT LEAST TWO ISOLATED COMPARTMENTS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID PISTON, ONE OF SAID COMPARTMENTS SURROUNDING SAID STEM; AND INITIALLY CLOSED VALVE MEANS CARRIED BY SAID PLUNGER STRUCTURE AND SEPARATING SAID COMPARTMENTS, SAID VALVE MEANS ADAPTED TO OPEN ON MOVEMENT OF SAID PLUNGER STRUCTURE AWAY FROM THE DISCHARGE END OF SAID CYLINDER STRUCTURE TO PERMIT INTERMIXING OF THE CONTENTS OF SAID COMPARTMENTS, SAID VALVE MEANS ADAPTED TO CLOSE IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID PLUNGER STRUCTURE TOWARD THE DISCHARGE END OF SAID CYLINDER STRUCTURE TO DISCHARGE THE MIXED CONTENTS OF SAID COMPARTMENTS THROUGH SAID DISCHARGE END. 